Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Mesa Verde National Park
Q:Where is Mesa Verde National Park located?
A:Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, about 35 miles from the town of Durango.
Q:Is there an entrance fee to get into Mesa Verde Park?
A:The entrance fee for Mesa Verde National Park is:
Private Vehicles for up to 7 days
January 2 - Apr 30
Nov 1 - December 31
$15.00
May 1 - Oct 31
$20.00
Private Motorcyclist (for up to 7 days)
January 2 - Apr 30
Nov 1 - December 31
$10.00 per person
May 1 - October 31
$15.00 per person
Bicyclist and Individual or Non-Commercial Buses (for up to 7 days)
January 2 - April 30
November 1 - December 31
$7.00 per person
May 1 - October 31
$10.00 per person
Mesa Verde Annual Pass
$40.00
Q:How large is Mesa Verde?
A:Mesa Verde National Park encompasses more than 4,000 prehistoric sites that were used by the people the Navajo call the Anasazi, or "Ancient Ones," who developed an advanced culture and suddenly disappeared hundreds of years ago.
Q:What is there to see at Mesa Verde National Park?
A:Mesa Verde is a fascinating place, full of mystery and intrigue. You will be able to experience structures and Anasazi sites that include mesa-top pit houses and pueblos, as well as the ghostly, multistoried cliff villages for which the park is famous. There are great tours, hikes and other ways to explore and experience Mesa Verde.
Q:What are some other activities at Mesa Verde Park?
A:Hiking, bird watching, camping, nature walks, wildlife viewing, stargazing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and interpretive programs.
Q:What is the recommended stay duration?
A:Minimalist (2 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: ½ day
Hiking/Exploring: ½ day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 1 day
Adventurist (4 Days)
Driving/Sightseeing: 1 day
Hiking/Exploring: 1 day
Activities/Tours/Special Programs: 2 days
Notes: Mesa Verde is rich with archeological, geological and historical treasures. While you could easily drive through the park in a half day, you would not even get a small taste of Mesa Verdes beauty and significance unless you take the time to step off the pavement and into the rich history of the park. The real treasures of Mesa Verde National Park are the impressive Cliff Dwellings and ancient artifacts that the park houses. Regardless of how much time you plan to spend in the park, your first priority should be a visit to the Mesa Verde Visitor & Research Center where you can orientate yourself to all the available attractions and opportunities within the park. This is also the only place to purchase tickets for visiting the Cliff Palace, Balcony House or Long House dwellings. While most of the cliff dwelling tours are roughly an hour long, you should set aside several hours for each dwelling, as the dwellings are scattered at different places throughout the park and will require some travel and prep time. Also keep in mind that due to high demand for tours during the busy summer season, you may be asked to choose only one tour per day between Cliff Palace and Balcony House. The Spruce Tree House is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings inside the park and is available to park visitors on a self-guided basis, so if you want to experience the cliff dwellings on your own time schedule, then you definitely need to plan on visiting the Spruce Tree House dwelling. While your in the area of the Spruce Tree House pay a visit to the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum for some truly interesting history and and overview of these spectacular sites. Visitors who want to experience each of the dwellings inside the park will want to plan for at least two days for touring. If you are an adventurist and you want to see even more of what Mesa Verde has to offer, take a self-guided hike to the Step House site located near the end of the Wetherrill Mesa road, or take the mini-tram to the half-mile, self-guided Badger House Community where you can get a better understanding of how life on the mesa top differed from life in the canyon alcoves.
